STARS-EC (47928)

COSPAR: 1998-067SE | Alt Name: Sanko
DECAYED

Image
STARS-EC Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

November 20, 1998

Launch Pad

Pad 0A

Launch Vehicle

Antares 230+

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

47928

International Designator

1998-067SE

Decay Date

4/15/2022

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARS-EC

Alternative Name

Sanko

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SHIZ

Country

Japan

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
STARS-EC (also known as Sanko) is a CubeSat (3U at launch), manufactured by SHIZ and owned by SHIZ for technology purposes. It was launched on November 20, 1998, from the TYSMC launch site using an Antares 230+ launch vehicle from Pad 0A. The satellite has dimensions of 0.1 meters in length, diameter, and span, with a dry mass and launch mass of 1.4 kg each. STARS-EC is powered by two deployable fixed solar arrays and batteries. It became stable on March 14, 2021, and its shape is described as box-like. The satellite's country of origin is listed as Japan (J).
Physical Characteristics

Length

0.1

Diameter

0.1

Span

0.1

Dry Mass

1.4

Launch Mass

1.4

Shape

Box

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

STARS-EC End Mass 1

Purpose

Technology

Mission

Technology

Manufacturer

SHIZ

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Cubesat 1U

Configuration

CubeSat (3U) at launch

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

2 deployable fixed solar arrays, solar cells, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Space Brief 28 Jun 2025

Space Brief 28 Jun 2025

Today's brief covers a Pentagon review of satellite launch options, Kongsberg's completed maritime satellite network, York's new satellite launch, DARPA's project cancellation, and more.

X Report 29 Oct 2025

X Report 29 Oct 2025

SpaceX embraces community support during Hurricane Melissa while advancing its Starbase infrastructure and launching more Starlink satellites.

NordSpace Atlantic Spaceport Complex

NordSpace Atlantic Spaceport Complex

Canada's sovereign space access finally has a construction site. How NordSpace is building the Atlantic Spaceport Complex in Newfoundland - and what the scrubbed Taiga launch reveals about the path to orbit.

Space Brief 26 Oct 2025

Space Brief 26 Oct 2025

Today's brief covers a new Space Force contract for advanced tracking systems, innovative debris removal strategies, pivotal new satellite launches, and significant updates in air quality tracking from orbit.

The Evolution of Space Stations

The Evolution of Space Stations

A brief journey through the evolution of space stations, delving into Russia's Mir, the International Space Station, China's Tiangong, and envisioning the future of orbital habitats.

Space Brief 3 Apr 2025

Space Brief 3 Apr 2025

Dive into the latest developments including U.S. national security launch contracts, penalties for drone violations at military bases, and emerging European launch providers.

Artemis II

Artemis II

Four astronauts, a patched-together heat shield, and a $50 billion question: whether NASA can still send humans beyond low Earth orbit. Tomorrow, we find out.

Space Brief 30 Apr 2025

Space Brief 30 Apr 2025

Today's briefing covers a significant hypersonic missile launch by the U.S. Army, the declassification of spy satellite photos aiding demining efforts, and the deployment of cutting-edge research payloads to the ISS.